Superethanol E85 appeals to more and more drivers. This fuel contains between 65% and 85% ethanol of plant origin, which makes it both an economical and a more eco-friendly solution.
What is it made of?
E85 is made up of:
- 65 to 85% ethanol (alcohol from plants such as beet or maize)
- The rest conventional petrol
Which vehicles can run on E85?
- So-called FlexFuel cars, designed to accept E85
- Petrol vehicles fitted with an approved conversion kit, where local rules allow it
- Non-compatible petrol vehicles: E85 must not be used without modification
A reduced CO₂ impact
Because bioethanol comes from biomass, it makes it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
- Up to –50% CO₂ emissions compared with fossil petrol
- Made from plant crops rather than fossil sources
Drawbacks to know about
- Requires an approved conversion kit for vehicles that are not FlexFuel
- Overconsumption of around 20 to 25%
- Fewer stations offer it than conventional petrol
E85 in France
In France, the average price of E85 was €0.906 per litre on 8 October 2026, against €2.139 for SP95-E10 and €2.344 for diesel, i.e. about 58% and 61% cheaper. Even allowing for 25% overconsumption, the cost per kilometre remains well below that of SP95-E10.
Converting a petrol car requires an approved kit, costing from €599 to €999 depending on engine size according to FlexFuel Energy Development, plus a modified technical inspection.
The stations offering Superethanol E85 can be found on our fuel map, with prices updated every day. The official website bioethanolcarburant.com lets you check a vehicle's compatibility and the aid available.